WELLNESS

plant-based learning center , to offer hotel guests cooking workshops like Raw Asia , Power Bowls and Green Thai Cuisine . With the foundation in place , Evason is seeing encouraging signs of enrollment ; classes are fully booked two months in advance .

“ We see an opportunity to develop and grow a new market for ourselves just south of Hua Hin that harnesses the simple quality of life of the community while taking advantage of the positive energy and space ,” says Evason Managing Director Alan Thomas . The addition of Blue Lotus has also allowed Evason to initiate new business partnerships relevant to the wellness industry , attracting dietitians , vegan chefs and yoga instructors to

Hotel guests can learn to make plant-based Thai cuisine ( like this veggie stir-fry with yellow curry ) at Evason Hua Hin ’ s culinary academy , Blue Lotus .

— EVASON MANAGING DIRECTOR ALAN THOMAS

host special events . U . S . hoteliers are also beginning to cater to guests looking for healthier options . However , there ’ s still hesitation around going completely plant-based .

“ Hotels try to be everything to everyone and they ’ re reticent to go very specialized ,” says Kelly Kennedy , vice president of concepts and market development at San

Francisco-based restaurant consultant Puccini Group .

Kennedy says she often finds that hotels want to utilize a quick-service model to trial vegan food in existing areas of the property .

“ If the plant-based offerings are successful , hotels will work that vegan-friendly operational model into their full-service concepts ,” she says .— K . KASBEE

experience , while business travelers alleviate jet lag with asanas . Whether urban or pastoral , spectacular backdrops intensify the sense of

revitalization .

The Peninsula Chicago takes yogis to new heights with a sunrise session among the skyscrapers in its 20th-story

Aerial yoga at Alila Uluwatu , Bali

52 hotelsmag . com June 2018